1
a
b
: something resembling a spinal column or constituting a central axis or chief support
c
: the part of a book to which the pages are attached and on the cover of which usually appear the title and author's and publisher's names
2
: a stiff pointed plant process
especially
: one that is a modified leaf or leaf part compare prickle sense 1, thorn sense 1a
3
: a sharp rigid process on an animal: such as
a
: spicule
b
: a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish
c
: a pointed prominence on a bone
Examples of spine in a Sentence
This X-ray shows her spine.
Hedgehogs are covered with spines.
They lack the spine to do what needs to be done.
Recent Examples on the Web
Remember, your obliques are central players in keeping your trunk aligned, your spine supported, and your movements stable, balanced and comfortable.
—
Dana Santas, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
With Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored vital goals last season, suffering from an injury and a distracting transfer saga amid interest from Newcastle, Pereira has had to work with three crucial players through the spine of his team either missing or below par.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Wind turbines spin on the spine of Backbone Mountain in western Maryland near the Mettiki Coal processing plant.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Body scan technology Higher-end massage chairs use a special technology that checks the spine’s alignment and detects tense muscle areas.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Dana Santas, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
With Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored vital goals last season, suffering from an injury and a distracting transfer saga amid interest from Newcastle, Pereira has had to work with three crucial players through the spine of his team either missing or below par.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Wind turbines spin on the spine of Backbone Mountain in western Maryland near the Mettiki Coal processing plant.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Body scan technology Higher-end massage chairs use a special technology that checks the spine’s alignment and detects tense muscle areas.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Cite this Entry
“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spine. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spine
noun1
a
b
: something resembling a backbone
c
: the part of a book to which the pages are attached
2
: a stiff pointed usually sharp projecting part of a plant or animal
protective spines cover the body of a porcupine fish
cactus spines are formed from leaves
Etymology
Middle English spine "thorn, spinal column," from Latin spina (same meaning) — related to porcupine
Medical Definition
spine
noun1
2
: a pointed prominence or process (as on a bone)
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